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Using When Connected to a Host

Using When Connected to a Host

Connecting the Hub to a host computer

Connect the PowerPad15S to your host system using a Type-A cable. Using an incorrect host cable may result in the hub and all subsequent ports not being recognised by your host.

The PowerPad15S must be connected physically to a host in order to communicate with the hub and devices. If you wish to connect to a hub remotely (not on the physical host it is connected to) it will still need to be connected to a host and have access to the Cambrionix Hub API which can then be connected to if the relevant steps have been taken. More information on remote access can be seen in the Cambrionix Hub API user manual, which can be viewed from the website.

Charging

When the Host Port is connected to a local computer, the hub defaults to Sync mode and charge currents are determined according to USB Implementers Forum (USBIF) specifications. If the attached device complies with USB-IF Battery Charging specification BC1.2 and supports Charging Downstream Port (CDP), the hub can provide high-speed charging. Information on the different charging levels can be found in the Port Specifications section.

Data Transfer

The PowerPad15S appears as a virtual COM port (VCP). On Microsoft Windows, the system will appear as a COM port, the COM port number can be found in device manager. On macOS, a device file is created in the / directory.

Devices incorporate a USB to UART converter IC from FTDI International. On Windows 7 or later, a driver may automatically be installed (if Windows is configured to download drivers from the internet automatically). If this is not the case, or if a Mac or Linux platform is used, the driver may be downloaded from www.ftdichip.com. The VCP drivers are required. For Linux or Mac computers, the default OS drivers should be used.

The default communications settings are as below, ANSI terminal emulation should be selected.

Communication settingValue
Number of bits per second (baud)115200
Number of data bits8
ParityNone
Number of stop bits1
Flow controlNone